Within the scope of sustainable forest management one wants to encourage the proper use of lesser known wood species. Therefore the market has to shift from a demand-driven towards a supply-driven market without loss of wood quality. It is generally known that the durability from pith to bark varies thus, affecting the overall durability of wood species. Consequently, a detailed analysis is necessary to map the durability of wood. This study covers a case study on the resistance against white rot and soft rot of three South-American wood species with local Surinamese names: groenhart, maka-grin and djindja-udu. The variability in resistance against white and soft rot was similar with slightly higher mass losses for soft rot. The effect of radial position was significant at the 90% confidence level. Highest mass losses were recorded for sapwood. Within the heartwood part the highest mass losses were recorded for inner heartwood. Groenhart and maka-grin showed no significant difference in natural durability profiles. The sapwood durability of groenhart and maka-grin was comparable to the durability of djindja-udu heartwood giving the opportunity of a wide range of applications of this sapwood. Between trees of the same wood species differences were noticed and could be examined in more detail.

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